Waiting for the MSO Classic Kids concert “Stan and Mabel” to start at the Melbourne Town Hall
The Melbourne Town Hall provided an elegant backdrop to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Stan and Mabel. The pipe organ loomed large in the foreground as the musicians took their places. This was not a traditional orchestral performance however. The MSO musicians were attired in brightly coloured polos, the audience sat on the floor, audience members were encouraged to follow the conductor and conduct along. The audience members were also taught new songs with actions by a vocalist, were encouraged to make animal noises at appropriate places in the performance, and a few engaged in interpretive dance up the back of the hall. Between you and me some of the interpretive dancers (including one of my own) gave Kate Bush a run for her money. This was the MSO’s first Classic Kids performance for 2015 and we had a blast.
Stan and Mabel was based on a book written and illustrated by Jason Chapman, about a music-loving dog and cat who go on a quest to perform as the greatest orchestra in the world. Cudos to the MSO for engaging with families and young kids (this performance was targeted at 3-7 year olds) to promote a love of classical musical. Taking our own kids to the MSO’s Classic Kids concert was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning and a few days later the kids are still singing the songs.
Tickets to MSO Family Classic Kids Concerts are between $14-20. There are two other Classic Kids productions scheduled in 2015:
Clowning around with Melvin Tix on October 24 and the Happiness Box on November 7th.
The MSO also has a Disney extravaganza planned for the September school holidays Disney in Concert that will feature the MSO performing Disney classics accompanied by four Broadway vocalists and projections from Disney animated movies.
For families living in Australia’s arts capital, or planning a visit one of the MSO’s family friendly performances are a brilliant way to participate in the arts culture of Melbourne together.
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Disclaimer: Thanks to the MSO for our complimentary tickets.
